Srinagar, Sept. 16 -- Fruit mandis across the Kashmir valley observed a shutdown against the government's "failure" to ensure a smooth passage to fruit-laden trucks, thousands of which have been stranded for days on the dilapidated Srinagar-Jammu national highway. People associated with fruit businesses staged the protests in Sopore town of Baramulla district and Handwara area of Kupwara. Chief minister Omar Abdullah said he had talked to Union minister Nitin Gadkari who reportedly assured him that the issue would be resolved within 24 hours. The highway has been in a dismal condition at various stretches after the floods, especially in Udhampur. Protesters said the fruit season is on peak and everyday 1,500 to 2,000 trucks are dispatched to various state but the traffic disruption caused loss of Rs.500 to 700 crore to growers and truckers. Omar Abdullah said, "Had the national highway been with us, I would have had it opened (for heavy motor vehicles) by now. If they (Centre) cannot manage it, they should give it to us." Later in the day, he said, "I have got an assurance from Union minister Gadkari regarding opening of the highway in 24 hours."htc...